SSE Renewables has chosen Danish manufacturer Vestas as the turbine supplier for its upcoming Aberarder Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands. The project, located in Strathnairn near Inverness, will feature twelve V117-4.2 MW turbines operating in 4.3MW mode.
Secured in the UK's fifth Contract for Difference (CfD) Allocation round in September 2023, Aberarder will benefit from a 15-year contract for low-carbon power generation.
SSE Renewables confirmed a final investment decision on the £100 million project in May, with construction slated to commence by late 2024 and completion expected by late 2026.
Once operational, Aberarder will generate sufficient green energy to power nearly 60,000 homes annually and reduce approximately 30,000 tons of CO2e emissions in its first year.
Positioned on a natural plateau at an average elevation of 700 meters above sea level, the site is adjacent to SSE Renewables' jointly owned 94MW Dunmaglass Wind Farm.
Heather Donald, SSE Onshore Renewables Development and Construction Director, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration: “We are delighted to be working with Vestas again, with whom we have partnered on other assets such as our Viking Wind Farm in Shetland.” She highlighted Aberarder as a significant addition to SSE's onshore wind portfolio, contributing to Scotland and the UK's energy security and clean power goals.